Trouble (16 page)

              “So I’m guessing your plans come through after all?” I open my eyes to see him standing there. Damn what the hell does this elevator have? A magic button I step on informing him I‘m near?

              “I may have wandered into the bar over there.” I said pointing towards the bar. Damn I hadn’t noticed his sandy blonde hair till now. It was a mess, but boy could he pull that off. He was just yummy.

              “Someone must have had a lot to drink.” I shake my head no before stumbling forward and him catching me. I stayed there pressed against him our eyes lock onto each other. I hear the ding and stood up.

              “Thank you for helping me, but I’m good.” I went to walk again, but I tripped and he caught me, barely spinning me back into him.

              “I think that I will help you. Or unless you were wanting a trip to the hospital?” I shake my head no as he grabs my waist and helps me into the elevator. Just having his arm around me made me wet all over. He smells heavenly. With after shave and a lavender scent. I think lavender is going to me my new smell and I hate lavender. He punches floor twelve and it makes me smile that he remembered it. Once we got to my floor he helps me until I stopped him at my door. I hand him my key and once the door was opened my shoes were off. And I could walk a little better.

              “See it wasn’t all me, those things helped a lot. Want a drink?” He nods and I go to the little mini fridge and get two bottles of vodka. Handing him one he looks at me weird as I down the little bottle.

              “What? Oh do you need a chaser?” he laughs as he shakes his head no. I am not sure if he was drunk or really horny. I walk up to him and make the first move and press my lips to his. It takes a moment for him to register, but damn once he does it was all done from there. He pulls me into him as I begin undoing his pants, as he begins unzipping my dress. He lifts me up and out of my dress and make his way to the room. He throws me on the bed, then starts taking off his shirt and his pants all the way. Once he is done he begins to lower himself down licking my clit making me moan.

              “Well isn’t someone already wet and ready for me?” I bite my lip as he begins to slide two fingers into my pussy making me moan louder with pleasure. This man sure knows how to work his fingers. He pulls them out instantly making me ache for his dick in me. I decide to take control and I roll him on his back. Getting on top of him and making him hiss. I know every guy loves a woman on top.

              “Damn you feel so tight.” I begin moving in the up and down motion and I enjoy it so much. This is what I needed. I start upping my pace, going faster and deeper and each time making his hands stretch down my back. It was painful, but I loved a little pain in bed. Just when I thought that I was about to be good he pushes me on my back and takes control. He starts going fast, but it wasn’t fast enough.

              “Faster and harder.” He smiles at me.

              “Oh I like a woman who wants it hard.” He begins to go faster and harder making me feel the orgasm coming to life.

              “Oh my god right there just like that. Oh shit Jake. I’m about to cum.” When I thought he couldn’t go any faster he proves me wrong.

              “Damnit you feel like heaven.” I feel my body instantly relaxing and becoming numb as we climax together. He plops down on the bed next to me trying to catch his breath. As I close my eyes and I tried to remember the last time sex felt that good. I couldn’t, this was by far the best.

              “Damn that was good.” He mutters next to me making me beam. All I could do was nod not even caring if he couldn’t see me. I feel my eyes getting heavy as I turn on my side and pass smooth out.

              Waking up with a hangover is by far the worst feeling ever. I should have remembered the water afterwards. I get out of bed and go into the kitchen and see there is a note with some Aleve on the counter. I smile as I read the note.

             
Last night was amazing. Don’t think that I fucked and bailed. Trust me if it were up to me I would have laid in bed with you all day just to replay what we did. Being a CEO does have a downfall. Hope that the condo searching this week goes well. Call the number on the card, guarantee you will love the condos. Whenever you get back to New York permanently don’t be afraid to look me up. Jake.

              I take two tablets and on the way back decide to pick up my clothes that were scattered everywhere. I grab my phone also and crawl back into bed, but shutting the curtains beforehand. I see a missed call from Ashley, so I call her back.

              “Late night bitch?” I laugh. Once I look at the clock and seen it was three in the afternoon. Damn. How late was I up?

              “Oh yeah, but it was worth it.” She laughs and I hear Brandon and Gage in the back ground.

              “I knew it bitch. You fucked him didn’t you?” Brandon’s voice is loud in the back ground. I laugh at the fact that he can move on, but I can’t? Really now?

              “Yes I did, but I skipped that dinner thing and went straight to the bar. He found me barely walking by the elevators again and then one thing led to another and we had sex. Oh my god Ashley he was what I needed. I feel a lot better.” She laughs, before yelling at the guys to shut up.

              “Sorry, Gage came over to Brandon’s to play stupid video games and Gage is winning so there arguing. I miss you. I wish you would come back early so we can hang out a little,” I yawn into the phone.

              “If I see one I like before then I promise to come home right after, but I’m tired so if you don’t mind I am going back to bed.” She whines into the phone.

              “Fine, bye. Love you.”

              “Love you too Ash.” I hang up the phone placing it on the night stand and go back to sleep.

              The remainder of my time in New York was incredible. I couldn’t wait to live here. I went and seen the Statue of Liberty and did some gay tour and facts on New York. I did learn though that a lot of people do have cars more than I thought. I looked at five condos before deciding on one that was out of this world. It was a four bedroom three bath penthouse. I bought a damn penthouse. I was shocked though, the price of this one was a little more than the other condos I have been looking at. It has a game room, theatre room, and an office on top of the four bedrooms. The master suite was the size of my living room at home. I was in heaven. Of course it was in the building that Jake referred me to. Turns out he is my neighbor as well. I saw him afterwards and we went and had coffee before his meeting. I did end up confessing my age I figured he would be upset, but he laughed. Telling me that age was just a number as long as my parents weren’t going to go crazy which lead me to tell him about my whole dad issue and the death of my parents. He had no words, but I didn’t expect him too. We exchange numbers and I told him that if he ever was in Miami to let me know. He nods before we say our goodbyes and I headed home. Which is where I am now. At home. I got in around eight this morning on Saturday which I was hoping to be earlier, but its better then Sunday right? I unpack and around ten head over to Brandon’s to get Mark. I want to spend the rest of the weekend with him before school Monday. I’m a little sad that our first Holiday was spent apart, but Ashley did tell me that they did celebrate so it made me smile. She also told me that her ex was so jealous of Gage that there was a big blow out ending up with her mom telling her cousin off for the things she did. Which was even funnier to find out that my aunt didn’t even know. I notice a car in the driveway and just shrug it off. I go to the door and knock and wait. I hear the knob being unlocked before the door opens and I am face to face with a blonde and blued eye lady. Also known as Rhonda. I couldn’t forget the picture in the bathroom. She smiles so kindly, but I can’t seem to find the words.

              “Can I help you sweetie?” I smile trying to control the pounding ach in my heart. I knew it, Ashley confirmed it, but yet here I am about to lose it.

              “Is Mark here?” She seems confused, I am guessing she doesn’t exactly know who I am.

              “Lannie? What are you doing here?” Rhonda opens the door up a little further to see a half-naked Brandon coming to the door.

              “I came to see if Mark wants to spend the weekend with me since I have been gone for a week. Is he here?” He looks over to Rhonda.

              “Lannie? Oh I should have known I’m sorry where are my manners? I’m Rhonda Brandon’s girlfriend. I was just thinking Mark has a girlfriend who was older and freaked out a little.” I am staring at Brandon who looks defeated. I reach out my hand and shake her hand. He turns to Rhonda.

              “Can you give me a minute with Lannie baby?” She kisses his cheek.

              “It was nice to finally meet you Lannie. I have heard wonderful things about you.” I smile the fakest one I can plaster at the moment.

              “You too Rhonda.” She walks away before Brandon steps outside on the porch closing the door,

              “Lannie, look I wanted to tell you in person not with Ashley calling you or like this. It would have never worked with us. Age difference, you moving, and mainly me being your teacher. I really am sorry. We decided a long time ago to be friends. It’s for the best.” I nod my head. I want to agree, but the broken pieces that are shattering around my heart doesn’t want to. Well you can’t always get what you want.

              “You are absolutely right Brandon. Friends. So about Mark?” He chuckles, but I heard the awkwardness in it.

              “I didn’t know. He went to stay the weekend with friends. I can call him to come home if you want? It’s no trouble,” I laugh and he frowns.

              “Sorry. No I am happy that he is having a life. He needs it and it warms my heart that he is actually being himself again. Also was laughing at what you had told me the night we were talking.” He smiles.

              “I remember. I told you that you were trouble. Lannie, I still think that you are trouble, but you know what? I wouldn’t want you any other way.” He winks at me.

              “Don’t you know? Trouble is my middle name.” I walk away and go home. Looks like the weekend was my time to heal the broken piece’s and piece myself back together.

CHAPTER 9

              The weeks flew by and before I know it we were already on Christmas break. Two whole weeks away from school will be the best. Brandon is still with Rhonda and after a few dinners over there I found out she really grows on you. Which was good. Mark loves her and as long as she makes them both happy than it truly makes me happy. She thought of this great idea to have me stay the night on Christmas Eve and be there for the whole Santa thing and waking up early and be around loved ones. Apparently holidays where her thing. She is going to make Christmas dinner and do the whole thing. I tried to let her no, that I was fine sleeping at my house two doors down, but she wasn’t taking no for an answer. Saying no one should be alone on Christmas. Ashley and Gage went up to Iowa where his family lives for the holiday. She didn’t want to leave me, but meeting the parents shouldn’t be with the attachable best friend I tried telling her. Although it was funny when she told me her mom was coming too.

              Now Jake is something else. We text or talk once a day. He is amazing. I feel as though we are becoming more, but neither one of us has admitted it. He is actually coming to Miami the day after Christmas since he is the CEO and can take whatever days he wants off. He will be spending a week with me and I cannot wait. Ashley is pissed because she won’t be back until the day before school starts. I showed her pictures and that made it worse. Gage even thought he was a good looking man. Now here I am packing an overnight back to go stay the night two houses down. It sucks, but whatever. It will be awkward as hell for me. I will live though. I knock on the stupid door. It’s freaking chilly. I am wearing UGG boots with leggings and a sweater that barely covers my ass. Not a great choice of clothes, but oh well.

              “Oh Lannie honey how many times do I have to tell you?  You don’t have to knock, you are practically family. I gave you a house key and all.” Rhonda’s chirpy voice spoke to me. I just rolled my eyes and walked past her.

              “I know, but I didn’t want to interrupt anything that may have been going on.” She laughs as I watch her close the door.

              “So Lannie, you will be sleeping in the guest room which is.” I cut her off.

              “I know where it is. Thank you. Where is Mark at?” She looks up at me, dang she sure was tall, had to be around five foot six or seven at least and that is bare footed. That must suck when she is in heels and with Brandon’s height.

              “He will be back soon. He went to the movies with a bunch of friends. Gave Brandon time to wrap the presents and me time to finish cooking. Are you hungry?” I shake my head and walk up the stairs into the guest room. The last time I was in here I was pissed about my parents moving. Now I would take it back if I could. I set my things on the ground and plop on the bed. I hate being the snooty brat towards Rhonda, but I can’t help it. I open my phone to see a text from Jake. It makes me smile.

             
Jake: I hate family get together. Where my parents act like they really love each other and my brothers little family is oh so perfect. I’d rather be in Miami with you. How is your night going?

              Me: Oh that sucks well at least you are with family. Mark is at the movies if I would have known that I could have waited before coming over to a house where this woman is always happy. I rather you be here too.

              Jake: Damn you think she is crazy on drugs all the time?

             
I can’t help, but laugh at that response. Maybe it is true.

              Me: Lol. It wouldn’t surprise me. I hate holidays. Never where my thing.

              Jake: Me too baby. Don’t worry I will be there for a whole week soon and we can spend time together. I got you something for Christmas. I wish I could actually give it to you on the day.

              Me: You didn’t have to get me nothing, but that is very sweet of you. I may have got you a little something as well
.


              Jake: I wanted too. Well I have to go. Have fun and I will call you tomorrow.

              Me: Have fun. Bye.

              I glance at the clock and see that it is just barely seven. Wonder what time Mark will be here and Brandon surfaces out of the room. I grab my cigarettes and head down stairs and out the back yard, but before I hit the back yard Rhonda stops me.

              “Smoking isn’t good for you. I don’t think that you are even old enough to have them.” She taps her foot on the ground waiting for my answer. I am still dumbfounded this bitch said that.

              “First off you are in no way my mother or ever will be. Also how old are you?” Her eyes go wide.

              “Twenty three.” Was all she could say?

              “Well listen I am seventeen years old and have been through hell and back and I haven’t even hit eighteen. So it’s either I smoke to relax my nerves or would you rather I go take the pills in my bag for anxiety and be a zombie for this damn holiday? Your call lady.” She goes to open her mouth, but nothing comes out.

              “Yeah that is what I thought. I do not take kindly to anyone bossing me around. I had parents who did that. Now I don’t so I sure in hell don’t want someone who isn’t that much older than me. I don’t have a problem with you unless you try to put a say in my life and then you get the bitchy Lannie and I really don’t think you want her. She isn’t that nice.” I smile and walk out the door. I feel a tiny bit bad for going off, but she really should butt the fuck out. I hit play on my phone and Jason Mraz come through singing the song Quiet. The lyrics have me singing out loud.

              “I will hold your hand and watch the world spin badly around this life where in yeah everything goes quiet when it’s you I am with, yeah everything goes quiet when it’s you I am with. Every once in a while you know I get these real bad headaches. Worried about the mistakes I’ve made along the way.”

              “I get headaches too. Especially when a certain someone goes off on another someone and then that someone comes and bitch’s at me about it.” Brandon’s voice whispers into the air. I was so busy staring at the sky and singing I didn’t even hear the door open or his footsteps.

              “Well maybe that someone should butt out of the other one’s life. I mean I got to hand it to her. The fake happy cheery voice. I knew that was a show.” I hear him sigh as he makes his way to me and pulls up a chair by the hammock. He looks at me with a deep concern.

              “She normally is really fun and happy. Yes this whole thing is fake for you. You intimidate her. And you are absolutely right she shouldn’t butt into your life. I will talk to her about that. But you sort of could have been a little nicer. What is going on with you? Ever since right before New York you have changed. You aren’t the Lannie I know and care for, but this troubled, bitter person.” I nod he was right, but there were things that made my whole world turn upside down that no one can fix.

              “I know who my dad is. My real dad. The one that actually birth me.” He was about to get up, but he stopped and sat back down when he heard me speak and the way my voice was I was scared I was going to break. It still hurt to know that my real dad was my uncle who hurt me physical and emotional my whole life.

              “And?” I take a deep breath. It is going to mind fuck him just as much it did Ashley and me. I am not sure what it is about Brandon, but I just seem to be able to open up. It’s the same with Jake, but he isn’t here and Brandon is.

              “My Uncle Tim.” His face goes into a stand still stuck on what the fuck face.

              “Yeah now stay like that for about six hours while drinking a bottle of Jack and being alone talking to yourself and you will be me the night I found out.” He doesn’t move, but his face gets a bit anger looking.

              “Lannie when did you find this out?” I wish I could forget that damn date, but I have a feeling I will never be able too. It hurts, but I am moving on.

              “That Monday night I was sick and sitting at home all alone I wandered into the office and what do you know I found the file and BAM in a second it ruined me.” I try to fight the tears I will not cry over that man.

              “Lannie, damnit that was over a month ago and you didn’t bother telling me?” I am officially confused.

              “First off I told Ashley the one who has been there through everything. Also it is really none of your business. Jake knows so that is all who matters.” Why I throw that in there I will never know.

              “Right Jake. We’ll dinner will be done in a half an hour.” He stands up and walks away and I hate how confusing men are. Well not all, Jake isn’t thank goodness for that. I close my eyes and think of a time where I had it all and things were good. I must have dozed off, because I’m woken up by a dog barking a few houses down. I see that my phone is still playing music, but it has turned to Maybe Someday. I restart it and just hum along with the music.

              “Lannie, dinner is ready.” I look over to see Rhonda standing there once again happy.

              “Coming.” I’m not hungry, but I at least have to try. I walk in and stop and turn to her.

              “I’m sorry I snapped at you. I didn’t mean to it’s just I have a lot I am dealing with as it is. I don’t need someone acting like my parent. I should have said it nicer, but I am truly sorry.” She smiles at me before nodding. I walk into the dining room where Mark and Brandon are chatting about some movie he watched. The dinner went smoothly. The looks Rhonda and Brandon exchanged throughout where nothing like the ones we had. I believe that they were in love. It a rekindle old flame so it could be possible that they do still love each other. Wonder if they will get married and have the two kids, picket fence, and the golden retriever. Who knows?

              “What you thinking Lan.” I look over at Mark and am snapped back into reality.

              “Just how excited I am about tomorrow.” I smile at him, but he doesn’t buy it.

              “You don’t have to pretend for me Lan. I know you hate holidays.” I laugh he is right, but I hear Rhonda gasp. I am assuming she didn’t get the memo.

              “You hate holidays?” I nod at her and she is speechless. Twice in a night that is becoming a record for me.

              “But why?” I look over at her giving a funny look, she literally is about to cry I think.

              “I hate the pretending. The excuse for people to use to have family get together when in reality they don’t like each other they do it because that is how they were raised. I hate the music. I am a music freak and holiday music is the most annoying sound. The stress it causes people spending money that they don’t even have on gifts that the other person probably will hate or use twice and then find its way on a shelve and never be touched. Holidays are just not my thing.” She just nods, but looks to Brandon who seems to be holding in his laugh.

              “Well that is shame that you believe that. I love them.” I bet you do. Of course that isn’t what I say. I excuse myself from the table and go to my room for the night closing the door and just thinking of the night and what tomorrow will bring. I pick my phone up and nothing from Ashley. She told me her service provider sucked up there, but would call me when she could. I miss her so much. I text Jake.

             
Me: Did I mention I hate holidays?

              Few moments went by and the phone rings. I look at the screen displaying a carefree Jake across the screen.

              “Hello.” He was telling someone in back ground he’d be right back.

              “I hate them too baby. What happened?” I huff and went over the issue at hand.

              “Well baby I am sorry that she is a Stafford wife. Makes you feel any better my damn brother’s wife is sitting here hitting on me right in front of him, but he too busy flirting with my mom’s best friend’s daughter to even acknowledge what is happening. I am so close to booking a plane and leaving tonight.” I laugh, because that beats mine.

              “Well than I guess I am very lucky. I just hate being here especially with Ashley miles away and you too. I am alone besides  my brother, but I think that he is pulling towards them more than me. He chooses friends over me or a night with them. I am happy that he is living his life I just miss the how it was before. You know?” I feel the tears coming.

              “Baby I am sorry. Damnit I wish I was there more than ever now. That is it I am booking an earlier flight. You need me and I do not like being far apart. You think if I get a plane to land tomorrow you can pick me up?” Am I hearing him correctly?

              “Umm babe listen that is thoughtful really, but you have family, it sucks I don’t, but you do. It’s only a few more days before you’re here anyways.” He laughs.

              “Well sweetheart it is too late. I am updating my flight schedule now, do I need rental car or no?” I smile.

              “No I will pick you up. Stubborn ass huh?” He chuckles god I miss that. Am I weird? Moving on so quickly, but still hung up on Brandon? It’s just Jake is amazing, sweet, and will be there for me.             

              “Okay good my plane lands around eleven tomorrow. I guess I get to spend Christmas with you after all love.” I laugh.